Dynamo Academy finishes regular season, playoffs on horizon

The Houston Dynamo Academy, presented by Statoil, wrapped up the 2012-13 regular season with matches against FC Dallas at FC Dallas Sports Park last weekend. Both the U-18 and U-16 squads were forced to call up younger players for the weekend, as five Academy players were with the first team in Columbus to play in their Reserve League match on Sunday. The U-18s pulled off a 1-0 win over FC Dallas, while the U-16s lost 2-1.

The U-18s faced a tough battle against division leaders FC Dallas, as six younger players (four U-16, one U-15, one U-14) were called into action. The Dynamo kept plenty of possession and limited the opposition's chances throughout the game. The breakthrough was found in the 55th minute, as Martin Agredo ripped a shot from the top right of the penalty area that found the back of the net. The U-18s defended well at the end of the match to keep FC Dallas off the board and seal the victory.

The U-16s started well against FC Dallas, opening the scoring right before the halftime whistle. Gabriel Camara hit a 25 yard free kick that the FC Dallas goalkeeper spilled, allowing Dominic Montano to score the loose ball and give the Dynamo a 1-0 lead. Defensive issues allowed FC Dallas to level the match in the 69th minute, and a scramble in the box in the 79th minute gave them the 2-1 lead. Second half substitute Christian Molina had an open look from the top of the box in stoppage time, but his effort just missed the upper corner of the goal.

Playoffs loom

Both teams had already clinched playoff spots prior to the weekend's matches, but the results solidified their standings within the division. The U-16s finished with 54 points and an 18-5-4 record, good for 3rd place in the Frontier Division currently. The U-18s ended the regular season with 52 points and a 15-5-7 record, which also puts them in 3rd place in the division.

While the Dynamo have finished their matches, there are still games to be played that could potentially impact their places in the standings. The U-16s can finish either 2nd or 3rd in the division, while the U-18s can place anywhere between 2nd and 4th. Playoffs will start on June 24 for the U-18s and June 25 for the U-16s in Frisco, TX.